The city of Boston has marked the start of construction on a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station, positioned to serve the expanding South Boston Waterfront community. According to a statement from the City of Boston, the $16 million project kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Mayor Michelle Wu, along with various city officials and EMS personnel.
Enhancing the public health infrastructure, the new facility will situate itself on Dry Dock Avenue within the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park, adjacent to Pier 10. "This groundbreaking marks our continued efforts to protect the health and safety of every Boston resident," Mayor Wu stated, acknowledging the rapid growth of the Seaport area and, the necessity to bolster emergency services. In the last decade, the need for emergency response has sharply escalated, with emergency calls in the area having doubled, as per the City of Boston.
Not only will the station house a two-bay ambulance garage, it also promises public restrooms and a second-floor crew space complete with a lounge, kitchenette, showers, and a gym for EMTs and paramedics. "This new EMS station is a vital step forward in ensuring that every Bostonian, regardless of where they live, work, or visit, has access to high-quality emergency medical care,” Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, told the City of Boston.
Aiming for completion by 2026, the new station aligns with the City’s goals for sustainability and climate resilience, being fully electric and seeking LEED certification. Its harborside location is a calculated choice, representing an investment in public safety and a sustainable future for Boston. “The Public Facilities Department is proud to help deliver an ambulance station that enhances the neighborhood, promotes health and resilience, and reflects our commitment to building forward-thinking, environmentally responsible public infrastructure,” said Carleton Jones, Executive Director of the Public Facilities Department, detailed by the City of Boston's release.
The project has been welcomed by local officials such as Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and State Representative David Biele, who see it as a critical upgrade to the EMS capacity to meet increased demand in the area. Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn hailed the expected improvements to public safety and accessibility to city services, while Senator Nick Collins lauded the community advocacy and multi-level government cooperation that brought the project to fruition. Boston EMS, one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in the region, handles over 140,000 emergency medical incidents annually, and this new station promises to better meet the needs of the thriving South Boston waterfront community.
